Understanding Bordetella Pertussis: Characteristics, Culturing, and Resistance

1. What are some key structural features of B. pertussis?

Gram-positive rod, Capsulated

Gram-positive cocci, Non-capsulated

Gram-negative spirillum, Capsulated

Gram- coccobacillisCapsulated

B. pertussis is characterized by being Gram-negative coccobacillus and capsulated. The incorrect answers are different in terms of Gram staining and shape, highlighting the unique features of B. pertussis.

Explanation

B. pertussis is characterized by being Gram-negative coccobacillus and capsulated. The incorrect answers are different in terms of Gram staining and shape, highlighting the unique features of B. pertussis.

2. What are special considerations for culturing Bordatella?

Prefers acidic pH for optimal growth

Special medium: MacConkey agar

Requires anaerobic conditions for growth

Special medium: Bordet-Gengou mediumDoes not grow on cotton; required calcium alginate swab.Note: Bordatella is hemolytic.

Bordatella requires specific medium, does not grow on cotton, needs a calcium alginate swab, and exhibits hemolytic properties.

Explanation

Bordatella requires specific medium, does not grow on cotton, needs a calcium alginate swab, and exhibits hemolytic properties.

3. Bordatella has intrinsic resistance to what antibiotic?

Tetracycline

Penicillin. I don't know why this is special given that it is Gram-.

Vancomycin

Ciprofloxacin

Bordatella is known to have intrinsic resistance to Penicillin, making it ineffective in treating infections caused by this bacteria.

Explanation

Bordatella is known to have intrinsic resistance to Penicillin, making it ineffective in treating infections caused by this bacteria.

4. What is the reservoir for B. pertussis?

Animals

Water

Human respiratory tract

Soil

B. pertussis is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions, making the human respiratory tract its primary reservoir.

Explanation

B. pertussis is primarily transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions, making the human respiratory tract its primary reservoir.

5. Explain the regulatory system of B. pertussis.

Explain the cell structure of B. pertussis.

Discuss the genetic diversity of B. pertussis.

Describe the metabolic pathways of B. pertussis.

The correct answer describes the specific two-component regulatory system (Bvg-S and Bvg-A) involved in B. pertussis, which is responsible for sensing environmental cues and regulating gene expression. The incorrect answers provided do not address the regulatory system of B. pertussis, focusing instead on metabolic pathways, cell structure, and genetic diversity.

Explanation

The correct answer describes the specific two-component regulatory system (Bvg-S and Bvg-A) involved in B. pertussis, which is responsible for sensing environmental cues and regulating gene expression. The incorrect answers provided do not address the regulatory system of B. pertussis, focusing instead on metabolic pathways, cell structure, and genetic diversity.

6. What are examples of AB type toxins?

Botulinum toxin

Snake venom toxin

AB5-- Pertusis toxin-- Cholera toxin-- E. Coli LTA(disulfide)B: -- Diphtheria -- Tetanus-- P. Aeruginosa exotoxin A

Ricin toxin

AB type toxins are protein toxins that contain an A subunit responsible for toxicity and a B subunit that binds to target cells. Examples include Pertusis toxin, Cholera toxin, E. Coli LTA, Diphtheria toxin, Tetanus toxin, and P. Aeruginosa exotoxin A. Botulinum toxin, Ricin toxin, and Snake venom toxins do not fall under the category of AB type toxins.

Explanation

AB type toxins are protein toxins that contain an A subunit responsible for toxicity and a B subunit that binds to target cells. Examples include Pertusis toxin, Cholera toxin, E. Coli LTA, Diphtheria toxin, Tetanus toxin, and P. Aeruginosa exotoxin A. Botulinum toxin, Ricin toxin, and Snake venom toxins do not fall under the category of AB type toxins.

7. What are the two phases of a B. pertussis infection?

Acute and Chronic

Initial and Final

Prodromal and Recovery

B. pertussis infection consists of two main phases: Catarrhal and Paroxysmal, each with distinct symptoms and duration.

Explanation

B. pertussis infection consists of two main phases: Catarrhal and Paroxysmal, each with distinct symptoms and duration.

8. How do we treat whooping cough?

Administering antifungal medication

Prescribing antiviral medication

Using over-the-counter painkillers

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment involves antibiotics, such as erythromycin, to help control the symptoms and prevent spread of the disease. Antifungal or antiviral medications are not effective against this bacterial infection. Over-the-counter painkillers may help alleviate symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause.

Explanation

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment involves antibiotics, such as erythromycin, to help control the symptoms and prevent spread of the disease. Antifungal or antiviral medications are not effective against this bacterial infection. Over-the-counter painkillers may help alleviate symptoms but do not treat the underlying cause.

9. How is the traditional vaccine for pertussis (DPT) different from the new vaccine (DTaP)? Why did we develop the new vaccine?

DTP contains acellular antigenic fragments of B. pertussis. DTaP contains whole killed virus.

DTP has a longer lasting immunity than DTaP. DTaP has a shorter duration of immunity.

DTP is more effective in adults than in infants. DTaP is more effective in infants than in adults.

The traditional DTP vaccine contains whole killed virus while the new DTaP vaccine contains acellular antigenic fragments of B. pertussis. The development of DTaP was primarily due to parents becoming resistant to the DTP vaccine because of mild side effects experienced by infants. This led to an increased incidence of pertussis.

Explanation

The traditional DTP vaccine contains whole killed virus while the new DTaP vaccine contains acellular antigenic fragments of B. pertussis. The development of DTaP was primarily due to parents becoming resistant to the DTP vaccine because of mild side effects experienced by infants. This led to an increased incidence of pertussis.